Control Resonant: A Dark Action RPG That Changes the Rules
- Control Resonant is an action RPG developed by Remedy that shifts the narrative perspective of the studio's interconnected universe to a darker, more personal experience.
- Players take on the role of Dylan Faden, Jesse's brother, who spent most of his life isolated before entering an open world for the first time in over...
- The title replaces the iconic service weapon from the first game with a melee-focused tool known as the Aberrant.
Control Resonant is an action RPG developed by Remedy that shifts the narrative perspective of the studio’s interconnected universe to a darker, more personal experience. Set in the year 2026, the game takes place seven years after the events of the original 2019 title Control, following a world where Federal Bureau of Control Director Jesse Faden has mysteriously vanished.
A New Protagonist and Manhattan Setting
Players take on the role of Dylan Faden, Jesse’s brother, who spent most of his life isolated before entering an open world for the first time in over two decades. The streets of Manhattan are heavily impacted by an outbreak of the Hiss resonance and the Mold organism, creating an environment filled with chaos and paranormal threats. Unlike Jesse, who operated as an experienced director, Dylan approaches the setting as an outsider trying to understand the world around him. The perspective swap aims to give the story a fresh entry point for newcomers who may not have played the first game, while still offering deeper lore for existing fans of the developer’s universe. Jesse’s current whereabouts remain unknown, though speculation within the community points toward entities such as the Former potentially playing a role in Dylan’s search.
Combat Mechanics and the Aberrant Weapon
The title replaces the iconic service weapon from the first game with a melee-focused tool known as the Aberrant. The weapon can shift into different forms, including a giant hammer or a pair of swords, pushing the gameplay style toward a faster, close-quarters action format akin to modern hack-and-slash titles. Remedy has built the combat system around three primary pillars:
- Fast movement across a dynamically altered Manhattan environment.
- Unpredictable enemies with high variability that require constant tactical adjustments.
- Abilities and weapon variants designed to support diverse player builds and playstyles.
Technical Engine Performance and New Factions
Technical coverage from iDNES.cz and gamereactor.cz notes that the game utilizes the Northlight engine to power its open-world design, with specialized rendering techniques enhancing frame rates and visual fidelity on PC hardware. In addition to familiar supernatural elements, the narrative introduces a mysterious organization called Chester Bless, which was previously only referenced in background documents during earlier entries. Evidence within the game suggests this faction may have anticipated the New York catastrophe, raising questions about their direct involvement in the unfolding crisis.
